Non-exhaustive Inventory of Traditional Knowledge-related Periodicals

The Inventory of Databases concerning traditional knowledge (TK) related to the use and exploitation of components of biological diversity was prepared at the request of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (the "IGC").

It is part of a wider examination into the ways in which TK-related documentation, that has already been disclosed and made available to the public, may be more effectively integrated into searchable prior art, in particular into classified, searchable sources of non-patent literature. Such integration may help to prevent the granting of patents on such disclosed TK. Additional background information concerning the Inventory of Periodicals is provided in document WIPO/GRTKF/IC/3/5.

Please note that the Inventory of Periodicals only lists TK-related periodicals which are publicly available. Some periodicals may be available on-line. WIPO has not collected, or compiled, TK data information itself, and is fully aware and respectful of on-going debate and concerns regarding the implications for TK holders of the collection and possible publication of otherwise secret and confidential TK. One practical way that WIPO is working to address such concerns is the development, with TK holders, of an IP Management Toolkit, which will address the IP implications of the documentation of TK (document WIPO/GRTKF/IC/4/5).

The Inventory of Databases is a work-in-progress. Additional, relevant contributions, and any comments, may be e-mailed to: grtkf@wipo.int

The periodicals listed are for general informational use only, and their presence in this Inventory is not to be viewed as an endorsement by WIPO of any products or information contained in individual publications. Many periodicals operate on a commercial basis and access may be subject to payment of a subscription fee.